Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has awarded ₦100 million in grants to 26 young entrepreneurs through the newly launched Agrinnovation Fund. This initiative, aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security, aligns with the state’s broader commitment to nurturing innovative, tech-driven solutions within its agricultural sector.
Representing the governor at the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, themed “Shaping Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems for the Next Generation,” Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde emphasised that the program is part of the Lagos State Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021-2025). He noted that the roadmap supports not only food production but also the broader value chain—from logistics and e-commerce to co-storage and packaging—to create a self-sustaining food ecosystem within Lagos.
“Attracting young talent and innovation to agriculture is essential to establishing sustainable food systems,” Ayinde said. “These grants are more than funding; they are part of a larger vision to make Lagos a leader in agricultural excellence, positioning us to address future food security challenges.”
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Sanwo-Olu, through this program, hopes to foster a network of “Agripreneurs” who can leverage technology to improve food production and distribution across Lagos. Each of the 26 selected finalists, now members of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club, will have access to mentorship and networking opportunities. In collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Eko Innovation Centre, the government will provide continuous support and monitor their growth for the next nine months.
Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, highlighted the diversity of talent entering the agricultural space, which includes individuals from fields as varied as engineering, ICT, and law. “Agriculture is more than farming; it encapsulates an entire value chain, and we want young Nigerians to see the opportunity within that,” she explained.
This initiative exemplifies Lagos State’s efforts to reshape agriculture as a viable business sector, offering young entrepreneurs the resources to make a meaningful impact and drive job creation.
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